I'm grateful that every day we, as customers, can have this pleasant, calm moment before embarking on the task

 We are heading for Estepona - another of those names which you recognise in the common place of ‘places in Spain’ but one I, and I expect I am not alone, would not be able to say exactly where it is.

Estepona proudly claims over 325 days of sunshine a year - and as I am writing this on a foggy day - that sounds rather attractive.  Apparently someone in Disney thought this might be a good place for Eurodisney - until someone pointed out Paris was a bit more easy to get to for the wider European market.


Fast forward back in time, apparently micro- and mega- liths have been found in the area; the Romans had a town which was done for by a 4th century seaquake. It has a battle, in 1342. The Fleet of Aragon, commanded by Pere de Montcada, took on the Moroccan navy commanded by someone whose name I know not. It appears the Aragonese came out and won the day, sinking 4 galleys and driving two ashore.

In 1457 the Castilians, led by Henry IV, took the place. A church was built over the mosque and San Luis castle was constructed to defend against pirate attacks.  In 1502 25 Christian families were brought down to settle the place and in 1729 Estepona was granted a town charter. 


By the nineteenth century the place was abundantly supplied with sardines and anchovies. The Bilbao-based La Union Resinera Espanola developed the local forestry, sending packaging wood and resin out to the world.  Sugarcane also became a product of note. During the Second Republic a port was constructed to house the fishing fleet.


German involvement in Estepona developed from the mid Twentieth century.  German War Industries depended heavily on tungsten and the stuff was dug up in the El Bosquecillo mine. More peacefully Hernan Gerlich Mueller opened the Hotel El Rodeo in 1952 and German Tourist Board Ricardo Soriano opened the Hotel Snata Marta.  The rest, as they say, is tourism. The gently rising population of 13000 in 1950 swept upwards till, in 2021, it numbered over 71,000. In 2006 it was estimated that a quarter of non-Spanish born residents were from the United Kingdom.


We will head into town alongside the Avenida Litoral.  It has a cafe Litoral - which is woman owned and LGBTQI+ friendly. I’m going for two key review words.  Staff Treatment and Charming experience.

Sacramentos Zaragoza is featured on Staff Treatment.  Six months ago they wrote ‘I'm from Murcia, and I loved the El Litoral bar, great service from all the staff, and a 10 for Paco, a machine 😘😘😘’

Orientador Enrique is listed under Charming Experience.  A year ago they declared ‘Since I was posted to Estepona, this café was the first one I visited, and I've been a loyal customer. I want to thank the entire team for every breakfast, every coffee prepared with such care, the sandwiches, and the daily attention that makes us feel at home. I'm grateful that every day we, as customers, can have this pleasant, calm moment before embarking on the task and the work challenge that each of us faces. I thank you with all my heart.’

We will almost end the day on the Paseo Maritimo de Estepona - enjoying the views.  5701 people have felt the need to pass comment.  4.6 stars in the consensus view.   We will have a bit of a Candlemas Bun before hand, with a February and August 2022 shot.


14 hours ago Domingo declared ‘When the works are finished, it will be the best on the coast.’   A month ago Brian felt it was ‘Beautiful boardwalk. Couple little patio places along it that are nice. Beautiful and huge park right next to the beach. Kids love it.’


We will end the day cutting inland.





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